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Avatar for Lawrence Thompson Architects, Inc.
Lawrence Thompson Architects, Inc.
4.3(
8
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Larry did a series of modifications for me turning my home into a luxury speculation home. Hes very artistic and is just excellent at what he does. He really cares about his work and how it turns out."
Pepe Rsidence, Santa Ynez Valley
Riviera Residence, Santa Barbara
Riviera Residence, Santa Barbara, CA.
Riviera Residence, Santa Barbara, CA.
Riviera Residence, Santa Barbara, CA.

+34

Response time6 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by83%of homeowners
Avatar for Tom Smith Architecture
Tom Smith Architecture
5.0(
5
)
ArchitectDesigner - Building

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We have used Tom Smith services directly twice, and indirectly a third time. It was his design that led to buying our home in Montecito. He subsequently designed a beautiful wine room which has given us and our friends & family many wonderful memories. We are currently working with Tom on a kitchen redesign and highly recommend him. John & Susan"
Tom's Portfolio
Work
Work
Work
Work

+7

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Cornejo LANSCAPING
Cornejo LANSCAPING
5.0(
11
)
Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Customers say: True professional

"Cristian and his team did an amazing job. They were fast, kept to their schedule and clean up when they were finished. As we walk around our neighborhood and see others with pavers and artificial grass, Cristian’s team has probably done one of the best work in the neighborhood. On top of that, Cristian honored his pricing and kept to his estimate. We would definitely hire again."
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project

+99

Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Essential Living Construction LLC
Essential Living Construction LLC
5.0(
12
)
Designer - Building

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Excelente trabajo instalando el drywall en mi garaje. Fue muy profesional, puntual y detallista en todo momento. El acabado quedó perfecto y limpio. Sin duda lo recomiendo a cualquiera que necesite un trabajo de calidad. ¡Muchas gracias a Oscar de Essential Living Construction por un excelente servicio!"
New ADU
New ADU
New ADU
New ADU
New ADU

+36

8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Viveros landscaping
Viveros landscaping
4.4(
29
)
Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They provided excellent service and was very professional and quick. I am so pleased with the outcome. My yard is beautiful. All the neighbors are envious. They came back with a quote that be out all the other landscapers and were very nice to work with. Five stars across the board."
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Landscaping Project
Beforw

+131

10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by62%of homeowners
Avatar for Evolution Drafting
Evolution Drafting
3.5(
108
)
ArchitectDraftsperson/CADDDesigner - Building+1 more

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired them to create plans for an apartment building. The process was quick and painless. Cost was good. The plans are full complete abd ready to take to builders for quotes. I will definitly use them again."
Zeal Floor Plan
Charcoal
Palm Floor Plan
Charcoal Floor 2
Charcoal Floor 1

+23

50 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by19%of homeowners
Avatar for McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
McCormick Home Builders, Inc.
4.6(
36
)
Designer - Building

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Our kitchen remodel exceeded our expectations, providing us with a beautiful and highly efficient space for cooking and gathering. We're thrilled with the results, as the new design seamlessly integrates style and functionality."
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+1

Response time6 hrs
Recommended by18%of homeowners
Avatar for Bajascape
Bajascape
5.0(
9
)
Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Octavio and his team of workers have come to my property several times to put in trees, bushes, pavers, sprinkler systems, and synthetic turf. All their work has been done quickly and professionally. They demonstrate a positive "can do" attitude and they clearly are good at what they do."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+41

5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by77%of homeowners
Avatar for Forever Green Landscape Construction
Forever Green Landscape Construction
5.0(
8
)
Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Customers say: True professional

"Smooth and efficient work! Communication was clear. Whole project took less than 3 months even with rain delays! My vision came to life just as I wanted! I’m very happy and impressed with the work and have already got so many compliments from my neighbors!"
Back yard renovation
Back yard renovation
Retaining walls with stepts
Before
Back yard renovation

+15

9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by62%of homeowners
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Architects questions, answered by experts

To ensure a smooth process for architectural service projects in Santa Barbara, start with a thorough site analysis covering fire risk and seismic conditions. Assemble a professional team familiar with local regulations, including historic and coastal rules. Consult with city planning staff early, engage with neighbors about your plans, and create a realistic schedule that accounts for permit review times.

Helpful?

When planning architectural service projects in Santa Barbara, consider wildfire risk zones, which mandate fire-resistant materials. Properties in the coastal zone face extra regulations from the Coastal Commission. Designs should optimize for the Mediterranean climate and meet seismic safety standards. Also, be mindful of historic preservation guidelines and view protection ordinances that can affect your project's height and design.

Helpful?

In Santa Barbara, signs include structural issues like stress cracks from inadequate seismic retrofitting or water damage from intense winter rains. Coastal properties may show corrosion from salt air. Also, look for unpermitted additions or modifications that violate local building codes or historic district design guidelines, which would require correction to ensure compliance and safety.

Helpful?

It's time for architectural service projects when your home shows signs of aging, like deteriorating clay tile roofs or cracked stucco. Other indicators include a desire to better integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces to enjoy the Santa Barbara climate. Additionally, needing accessibility improvements for aging in place or requiring seismic retrofitting for insurance purposes are clear triggers.

Helpful?

A common mistake during architectural service projects in CA is skipping the permit process or ignoring specific local rules, like those from the Historic Landmarks Commission or Coastal Commission. Other errors include poor seismic design, failing to use fire-resistant materials in high-risk zones, and underestimating Santa Barbara's premium construction costs. Hiring unlicensed contractors is another significant and costly oversight.

Helpful?

The Santa Barbara, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.